KUALA LUMPUR: Para powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin savoured yet another golden moment on the world stage but he knows the challenges will only get tougher from here.
The two-time Paralympic champion clinched his fourth world title in the men’s up to 72kg category at the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday.
The Sarawak-born powerhouse endured a few tense moments before confirming his place in history, adding to his previous victories in 2019, 2021, and 2023.
Bonnie’s dominance was tested by Chinese newcomer Zhang Pingkang, who started strong with an opening lift six kilogrammes heavier than the Malaysian’s.
Bonnie began with 216kg, while his younger rival successfully cleared 222kg on his first attempt. But to Bonnie’s relief, Zhang failed his next two lifts and had to settle for silver.
Bonnie, meanwhile, was just getting into his groove. He confidently raised the bar with successful lifts of 226kg and 230kg to seal another commanding triumph.
Britain’s Mark Swan, the Paris Paralympics silver medallist, finished third with a lift of 217kg.
